Custom Glass Mosaic Mural Installed in Millville, NJ

Mural Arts in Millville…

SwellColors’ owner and artist, Mary Tantillo, was recently commissioned by the Millville Glasstown Arts District to produce and install a one-of-a-kind glass mosaic mural. This is the second mural commission that Mary has done in the city of Millville, which has an incredible place in the history of glassmaking in New Jersey.

New Jersey, particularly South Jersey’s place in the story of glassmaking in America is largely due to its excellent sand quality. Up until the 1990s, the glass production industry was bustling in many South Jersey towns- particularly Millville. The first glass factory in Millville was opened in 1806 by an Irish immigrant named James Lee. The city was also home to Francis Wheaton, founder of the famed Wheaton Village (now Wheaton Arts), and the Museum of American Glass.

Mary was inspired to create a decorative mandala for this commission. Mandalas, besides being visually beautiful, are meant to represent wholeness, unity, and peace, and symbolically portray one’s place in the universe as a whole. Through this design, Mary’s art promotes Millville’s place in the history of glassmaking, as well as arts’ place in the local community. Scroll through below to see some progress shots of the creation of this amazing mural.

Working on the mural in our Long Beach Island studio.

Starting the installation process on a beautiful day in October 2019.

Adding finishing touches during the installation.